Steering system for dual joystick and control method therefor

Abstract

An embodiment steering system for a dual joystick includes left and right joysticks respectively disposed at left and right sides of a seat and configured to rotate about rotary shafts to steer, feedback actuators configured to provide reaction torque and a steering angle variation to the left and right joysticks, respectively, and a controller configured to control the feedback actuators, generate a target steering angle, and steer a vehicle based on a steering input from a driver and factors reflecting a driving state of the vehicle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A steering system comprising:
 left and right joysticks respectively disposed at left and right sides of a seat and configured to rotate about rotary shafts to steer;   feedback actuators configured to provide reaction torque and a steering angle variation to the left and right joysticks, respectively;   a controller configured to:
 control the feedback actuators, 
 generate a target steering angle, and 
 steer a vehicle based on a steering input from a driver and factors reflecting a driving state of the vehicle; and 
   pressure sensors installed at rear ends of the left and right joysticks and configured to detect support pressures of arms of the driver operating the left and right joysticks, respectively.   
     
     
         2 . The steering system of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the rotary shafts are disposed in a front-rear direction of the seat,   wherein the left and right joysticks are symmetrical in a neutral state, and   wherein handles of the left and right joysticks are inclined at a predetermined angle toward a center of the seat in the neutral state.   
     
     
         3 . The steering system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to control the feedback actuators to apply the same-directional reaction torque and the steering angle variation to the left and right joysticks. 
     
     
         4 . The steering system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to control the feedback actuators to apply the same reaction torque and the same steering angle variation to the left and right joysticks. 
     
     
         5 . The steering system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to:
 determine reliability of steering input based on the support pressures,   generate the target steering angle, and   steer the vehicle based on the reliable steering input.